Description
A rich and hearty German goulash featuring tender beef chunks in a flavorful sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 2 lbs (900g) stewing beef (chuck or shoulder), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (Hungarian if possible)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram (or oregano)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red grape juice or additional broth
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add onions, cooking for 10-15 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Deglaze with beef broth and grape juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add bay leaves, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add sliced carrots and chopped bell pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste, adjust seasonings, remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with spaetzle, crusty bread, or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the dish. This goulash tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: German goulash, beef stew, comfort food, traditional recipe, hearty meal